Tuesday, 11 August 2009

Vestas Solidarity Rally – Wed 12 Aug

Tomorrow (Wednesday 12 Aug) trade unionists, socialists and environmental campaigners will be joining together across the country to take part in a national day of solidarity called by the Vestas workers in support of their fight against job losses.

The two leafleting/collection events in Brighton will be taking place at 12noon till 2pm at the city centre clocktower and at 6pm at Churchill Square where there will hopefully be the opportunity for a street meeting with speeches offering our solidarity to the Vestas workers.

Following this evening event there will be an organisation meeting of the Brighton Vestas support group, who have organised these solidarity events, at the Prince Albert pub on Trafalgar Street at 8pm. All trade unionists are encouraged to come along.

The support of the trade unions and their members in this dispute is invaluable. As the RMT have demonstrated, trade union help and involvement in spreading word of this battle throughout our workplaces and communities strengthens the confidence and unity of the whole working class against all the cuts, closures and job losses that we face. Come down to the events tomorrow and show your support. Spread word of the campaign and get involved in fighting back.

How to get involved

Trades union councils consist of representatives of trade unions or branches of trade unions which meet within the area covered by that council, or which have members working or living in the area. A union branch will normally affiliate to the trades unions council in the area in which it meets.

Affiliated unions

Who are we and what do we do?

Trades union councils bring together trade unions to campaign around issues effecting working people in their workplaces and local communities.

Trades Union Councils consist of trade unions or branches oftrade unions which meet within the area covered by that council, or which have members working or living in the area. A union branch will normally affiliate to the trades union council in the area in which it meets. Each branch will then send delegates to the trades union council's meetings. These branches pay an affiliation fee. Their delegates elect officers from amongst themselves to represent the views and priorities of the constituent branches and to take responsibility for working for and supporting the policy of Congress and the Trades Union Council (TUC) General Council. This is because trades union councils are registered with the TUC, rather than being entirely independent bodies. The Annual Conference of Trades Union Councils takes place over a May weekend.

Aims and objectives

> Raise public awareness of rights at work and the union role in enforcing those rights.

> Support union and community campaigns for dignity and respect in the workplace and beyond.

With the threats of racism and fascism, changes in the labour market and debates over the future of public services, the trade union voice in the community is as important as ever. The capacity of trades union councils to provide a local response and to organise trade unionists into coalitions with other progressive forces is crucial. They do this by providing services which keep local trade unionists up to date with developments within the wider trade union movement, and by taking up relevant local industrial and community issues.